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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Applied Science in Textile Science 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
111358  Bachelor of Applied Science in Textile Science 
ORIGINATOR
Durban University of Technology 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National First Degree  Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Fabrication and Extraction 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 07  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2019-08-19  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2033-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The Bachelor of Applied Science in Textile Science aims to provide a unique blend of practical application and theory, which immerses learners into wide range of textile related scientific aspects within a specialised area of textile manufacturing and research.

The theoretical underpinnings of this qualification have a core discipline of textile science.

The purpose of this qualification is to equip learners with the necessary theoretical and scientific knowledge of disciplines and fields of study to be used in an academic or specialised context. Thorough grounding in the knowledge, scientific theory, principles and skills of the career or profession concerned requires an individual who can critically analyse and effectively apply knowledge in the Textile environment. The learner's knowledge will position him/her within the textile industry in which he/she can make a valid contribution to the South African Textile Industry and the social and economic climate in general.

Learners achieving this qualification will be able to conduct research, formulate appropriate responses, develop and improve systems and policy and combine a wide range of textile related scientific knowledge, skills and experience within specialised areas of the textile sector.

The modules incorporated into this qualification will ensure competency as an analytical thinker, well-rounded technical person who is equipped with theoretical and scientific knowledge who can critically and effectively practice and communicate this knowledge in the workplace. As a result, the learner will become a team player who contributes, learn and applies practical knowledge during the interaction at the workplace.

Rationale:
With advancements and scientific development taking place in the textile sector there is a specific need of higher calibre analytical and scientifically competent learners.

With the previous government policies, there was a large shortage of local and indigenous learners and learners in the textile field and therefore this sector was extensively reliant on overseas expertise. It resulted in a sudden shortage of highly competent local learners and expertise in the technical field, production planning and middle management in the manufacturing sector due to the overseas experts retiring.

Learners with a higher scientific competency will improve product development capacity, production efficiency and the competitive edge of the South African industry, which leads to economic growth, job creation and higher living standards of the community.

The design and delivery of the qualification is aligned to the policies of the institution, which are also aligned to the Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (HEQSF). When designing this qualification, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) Level Descriptors were adhered to. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The Bachelor of Applied Science in Textile Science may be achieved in part through the recognition of prior learning, which includes formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience. If the prospective learner is able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this qualification, the appropriate credits would be assigned or access granted to the prospective learner. The department's RPL process is aligned to the University's Recognition of Prior Learning Policy.

The purpose of the policy is to:
  • Provide a framework for the implementation of Recognition of Prior Learning procedures within the institution.
  • Facilitate access and admission to learning qualifications within education and training and career paths.
  • Accelerate redress of past unfair discrimination in education, training and employment opportunities.
  • Promote and facilitate lifelong learning.
  • Outline general procedures relating to the processing of RPL applications at the university.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC), NQF Level 4, granting access to Bachelor's studies.
    Or
  • National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4, granting access to Bachelor's studies. 

  • RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Levels 5, 6 and 7 totalling 368 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules NQF Level 5, 104 Credits:
  • Cornerstone 101, 12 Credits.
  • Institutional General Education 1: Information and Communication Technology Literacy and Skills, 8 Credits.
  • Chemistry 1, 12 Credits.
  • Physics 1, 16 Credits.
  • Mathematics 1, 16 Credits.
  • Faculty General Education 2: Applied Science in Wellness, 12 Credits.
  • Textile Industry 1, 12 Credits.
  • Institutional General Education 2, 8 Credits.
  • Institutional General Education 3, 8 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules NQF Level 6, 140 Credits:
  • Faculty General Education 1: Applied Sciences for Sustainable Development, 12 Credits.
  • Faculty General Education 3: Role of Applied Science in Society, 12 Credits.
  • Weaving Preparation Theory 1, 16 Credits.
  • Textile Material Science 1, 12 Credits.
  • Yarn Spinning Theory 1, 16 Credits.
  • Weaving Principles 2, 16 Credits.
  • Textile Colouration Principles 2, 16 Credits.
  • Product Engineering 2, 16 Credits.
  • Knitting Principles 2, 12 Credits.
  • Textile Testing Principles 2, 12 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules NQF Level 7, 80 Credits:
  • Textile Research Techniques, 12 Credits.
  • Industrial Management 3, 12 Credits.
  • Textile Testing Principles 3, 12 Credits.
  • Non- Woven Principles 3, 16 Credits.
  • Finishing Theory 3, 12 Credits.
  • Production Organisation Research Project, 16 Credits.

    Elective Modules NQF Level 7, 44 Credits:
    Dry Option:
  • Weaving Principles 3 (Advanced), 16 Credits.
  • Product Engineering 3 (Advanced), 16 Credits.
  • Yarn Spinning Theory 3 (Advanced), 12 Credits.

    Wet Option:
  • Colouration Theory 3 (Advanced), 16 Credits.
  • Chemistry and Colour Physics 3, 16 Credits.
  • Polymer Science 3, 12 Credits. 

  • EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Critically analyse and apply principles of a particular area of textile processing to the efficient running of this process.
    2. Interpret and apply the theoretical understanding of the sciences in relation to textile product development and engineering practice.
    3. Practically implement theoretical principles of production organisation and control techniques to a textile manufacturing process.
    4. Formulate and communicate theoretical knowledge and best practices in the textile context.
    5. Utilise technical and scientific knowledge and skills to conduct basic research. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Analyse and explain principles behind the major textile manufacturing operational stages.
  • Quantify operational parameters and operational rates.
  • Identify potential limitations and problems and propose solutions.
  • Formulate options for improvement.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Interpret and apply theoretical knowledge related to textile science to contextualised situations.
  • Measure and quantify appropriate data.
  • Calculate and display numerical and statistical data in a scientific way.
  • Select a course of action based on accepted scientific and engineering practice appropriately.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Apply production measuring techniques appropriately.
  • Show calculated data is in industry standard formats and communicable.
  • Demonstrate an awareness of possible problems and misrepresentations.
  • Make management decisions based on the outcomes.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Construct reports clearly using scientifically correct quantitative terminology.
  • Derive arguments based on sound theoretical understanding of textile processes.
  • Apply plant level industrial relation procedures.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Apply knowledge of scientifically acceptable ways by which a textile product can be modified.
  • Evaluate a feasible textile related research topic.
  • Validate an understanding of the research process by compiling a research proposal based on sound scientific methods.
  • Compile a valid and applicable literature survey.
  • Collect, analyse, organise and evaluate critically information.
  • Exhibit research writing skills by compiling a research report with clear findings, discussion and recommendations.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated assessments will be used to combine the assessment of a variety of different skills at the same time; assessing a number of Exit Level Outcomes together; assessing a number of Associated Assessment Criteria together; using a combination of assessment methods and instruments.

    This is to ensure that the purpose of the qualification is achieved. Integrated assessments will combine a number of different elements and will require learners to bring together different sets of Exit Level Outcomes of learning into a demonstration of applied competence. Integrated assessment will be emphasised in the Bachelor of Applied Science in Textile Science because it links to the notion of applied competence which is a central concern of the National Qualification Framework. Applied competence will be achieved by combining practical competence, foundational competence and reflective competence.

    Integrated assessments will:
  • Assess a number of Exit Level Outcomes together using written classroom tests, practical's, projects, presentations and/or assignments.
  • Assess a number of Associated Assessment Criteria together using written classroom tests, practical's, projects, presentations and/or assignments.
  • In some cases use a number of assessment methods for an outcome.

    Integrated assessment will support integrated learning. It will develop and measure the learner's abilities not only to understand the underpinning theory but also apply it in authentic contexts and to reflect on what they have learnt, what they are doing and why they are doing it.

    Formative and Summative Assessment:
    Formative assessments will be used to support the learner developmentally and to provide feedback into the teaching and learning process. This links the relationship between assessment, learning and teaching and ensures that assessments inform and strengthen both the teaching and learning process, and the learner improves from their areas of difficulty. Formative assessments will comprise activities such as assignments, projects, group work, tutorials and tests. Typically, Formative assessments will comprise 40% of the final mark.

    Summative assessments will be used to evaluate and measure the learner's learning, skills acquisition and academic achievement. Summative assessments will typically comprise of tests, examinations and/or projects and will be used to determine whether, and to what extent, learners have learned the material they have been taught and have attained the learning outcomes. Typically, Summative assessments will comprise 60% of the final mark.

    Academic staff who teach a course/module are responsible for designing, implementing and marking both formative and summative learner assessments, for recording results and for feedback to learners. 

  • INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The traditional textile producing and growing/manufacturing areas of the world have generally retained institutions exhibiting good practice.

    These institutions are as follows:
  • University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (United Kingdom) offers a Bachelor's Degree in Textile Technology.
  • North Carolina State University, Department of Textile and Apparel Technology and Management offers a Bachelor's Degree in Textile Technology.
  • Liberec University of Technology (Czech Republic) offers a Bachelor Degree Textile Technologies, Materials and Nanomaterials.
  • The British Chartered Associations-Society of Dyers and Colorists and The Textile Institute-this professional body offers the qualification of an "Associate Membership".

    The qualifications mentioned were evaluated and best practices adopted and contextualised for the Bachelor of Applied Science in Textile Science. The Bachelor of Applied Science in Textile Science is directly comparable to the Bachelor of Applied Science in Textile Science in terms of:
  • Curriculum structure, teaching practices and assessment methods.
  • Foundational modules such as chemistry, physics and mathematics have been included in the first year.
  • Fundamental and core modules related to textiles, weaving, coloration, textile sciences, spinning, manufacturing, knitting and management have been included.
  • Electives related and not related to core discipline have been included (e.g. wet or dry option in final year, as well as general education electives).
  • All qualifications compared are similar as they culminate in the learner producing a research project.

    Similar modules with the institutions above:
  • Information and Communication Technology Literacy and Skills;
  • Chemistry;
  • Textile Industry;
  • Weaving Preparation Theory;
  • Weaving Principles;
  • Yarn Spinning Theory;
  • Chemistry and Colour Physics. 

  • ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both horizontal and vertical articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Polymer Science, Level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma in Textile Technology, NQF Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Polymer Science, Level 8. 

  • MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 



    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.